Training Initiative for Vermont Nonprofit & Educational Organizations Possible Through Generous Gift

The Center for Creative Leadership (CCL)®, a top-ranked, global provider of leadership development, serves individuals and organizations throughout Vermont with the support of a major gift from a longtime Vermont resident.

The gift comes from the late Dr. Margaret Waddington, a pioneering neurologist and resident of Rutland, Vermont, who died last year. In 1985, Waddington attended our Leadership Development Program (LDP)® – the longest-running program of its kind in the world – and was transformed by the experience. She became a strong financial supporter of CCL, ultimately leaving a multi-million dollar estate gift to support leadership development for future generations. Waddington stipulated that her gift benefit Vermont residents and organizations.

With these funds, CCL has established the Margaret Waddington Leadership Initiative and other opportunities with businesses, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions across Vermont. Since 2017, CCL has partnered with the Vermont Principals’ Association on the Margaret Waddington Institute for School Leaders, a comprehensive leadership training program for K-12 public and independent school principals throughout the state.

Through close collaboration with an array of partners, CCL has provided similar services for principals in many other states with positive outcomes for students, schools, and communities.

The Institute for School Leaders incorporates a blend of face-to-face and virtual learning, including classroom sessions, online learning, and follow-up one-on-one coaching.

“The Vermont Principals’ Association has supported learners and leaders for over 100 years. This gift allows us to realize the goal of providing high-level leadership development to all Vermont principals regardless of school size or budget capacity,” said Ken Page, Executive Director of the Vermont Principals’ Association.  “We’re excited to partner with CCL and like-minded leadership organizations in Vermont. “

“We are greatly humbled by Dr. Waddington’s tremendous generosity and much inspired by her commitment to making leadership development widely accessible for the women, men, and young people of Vermont,” said CCL President and CEO John R. Ryan. “We look forward to partnering with organizations in all sectors of this great state to make her vision a reality.”